Our Music Projects Music in Dialogue Music in Dialogue forges new pathways ahead, bringing together music from different traditions both in composition and on stage. These exciting new music commissions are supported by generous Sound Investors and funding partners. The Story of Maya 2025 The Story of Maya is a new commission by Bangladeshi musician, composer and performer Neel Kamrul as part of our ongoing Music in Dialogue series. Rooted in Bangladeshi folk tradition the piece centres on female protagonist Maya (performed by singer Shanta Islam) and unfolds as a richly layered musical journey exploring identity, place and history. The project brings together South Asian instruments, voices and contemporary classical ensemble in a shared musical language shaped by listening, improvisation and artistic exchange. The Birmingham performance in November 2025, presented as part of Bangla Month, was developed and presented in partnership with Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency (BADA) and Legacy West Midlands, with support from British Council. Composer Robert Reid Allan worked closely with Neel during development of the music. Alongside the world premiere of Neel's new piece, the collaboration extended to workshops with schools and young people through BCMG’s Learning & Participation programme. The 2025 project marked an important step in a continuing artistic relationship, laying the groundwork for the next phase of The Story of Maya as the exchange returns to Bangladesh, deepening dialogue between musicians, audiences and cross cultural musical tradition. Watch The Story of Maya concert highlights Awakening 2025 Japan & Birmingham Watch Sho Concerto performance in Tokyo Opera City, Tokyo, Japan conducted by Kazuki Yamada Noh Reimagined New Music Composer R&D Trip to Tokyo to learn about Noh theatre first hand from experts. Japan & Birmingham Music in Dialogue 2022 Bangladesh, Sri Lanka & Birmingham Concert Programme BCMG's musical fusing of continents and celebration of cultures, with new music pieces from Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan & Birmingham musicians. With Rohan de Saram, Ondřej Adámek, Neel Kamrul and Shigeko Hata, and Suren de Saram. Rohan de Saram is a British-born Sri Lankan cellist who, until his 30s made his name as a classical artist before becoming an advocate of contemporary music on the cello. We were delighted to hear his new piece commissioned for his second instrument the Sri Lankan Kandyan drum, performed by himself and accompanied by his son, Bombay Bicycle Club drummer Suren. Ondřej Adámek, Neel Kamrul and Shigeko Hata Rohan de Saram and Suren de Saram Rohan de Saram, Neel Kamrul, Stephan Meier and Ondřej Adámek Ondřej Adámek prepared his Sound Investment commission focusing on multi-faith ever since his first visit to Birmingham back in 2017; he worked with Neel and BCMG in 2019 during the first Music in Dialogue event. During this concert, savory samosas and sweet treats of milk burfi, carrot burfi, and besan patisa were served to reflect the collaboration of cultures. Watch Whence Comes the Voice performance excerpt Watch The Story of Maya performance excerpt Hear more about Ondřej's Sound Investment piece Whence Comes the Voice Watch Neel Kamrul's digital performance of The Story of Maya Hear Ondřej Adámek & Neel Kamrul discuss Qawwali music Music in Dialogue 2019 - 2021 Bangladesh, Pakistan & Birmingham BCMG welcomed musicians from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Birmingham’s community to establish a cultural exchange and communication between musical traditions of different continents. With Neel Kamrul, Gul Muhammad, Turab Ali Hashmi, Shigeko Hata, Sheikh Dina, and Ondřej Adámek. This project was in collaboration with Transforming Narratives. Manage Cookie Preferences